Bless the Lord

 

Photo courtesy O'Reilly Lewis

God blessed nature.

God blessed all the living things in the sea and told them to have many babies and fill the seas. And he blessed the birds on land and told them to have many more babies. – Genesis 1:22 (ERV)

God blessed mankind.

God created humans…God blessed them and said to them, “Have many children. Fill the earth and take control of it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the air. Rule over every living thing that moves on the earth.” – Genesis 1:27, 28 (ERV)

God blessed the Sabbath.

God blessed the seventh day and made it a holy day. He made it special because on that day he rested from all the work he did while creating the world. – Genesis 2:3 (ERV)

God blesses individuals.

Abraham lived to be a very old man. The Lord blessed him and everything he did. – Genesis 24:1 (ERV)

So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. – Galatians 3:9 (ESV)

God blesses nations.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord – Psalm 33:12 (NIV)

Throughout the bible we see God doing the blessing, but we are also to bless – to bless the Lord. This is made very clear in Psalm 103, with its very first verse exhorting us to bless the Lord with all that is deepest within us, our innermost being must bless His holy name.

Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul; and all that is [deepest] within me, bless His holy name!

This Psalm expresses a deep personal worship and adoration of the Lord and rightly so as the Hebrew word used here means to kneel before, to adore, to salute, to praise.

No matter what, it is always fitting to bless the Lord; He deserves our praise.

Let everything that has breath and every breath of life praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!) – Psalm 150:6 (AMPC)

It is important to remind the soul, and to keep in mind to bless the Lord, as our human nature causes us to forget, especially when we get caught up in all the busyness of life.

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. – Psalm 34:1 (AMPC) should be our mantra.

When we bless the Lord, our focus is zoomed in on Him.

When we bless the Lord, we bring His glory to mind and respond in worship.

And as we deliberately call to mind the goodness of God, we must bless the Lord

Psalm 103 in verses 20-22 (NASB) says,

Bless the Lord, you His angels,
Mighty in strength, who perform His word,
Obeying the voice of His word!
Bless the Lord, all you His angels,
You who serve Him, doing His will.
Bless the Lord, all you works of His,
In all places of His dominion;
Bless the Lord, my soul!

To bless the Lord is to give Him praise.

To bless the Lord is to kneel before Him in adoration.

To bless the Lord is to bow in awe and love of Him.

To bless the Lord is to obey Him.

To bless the Lord is to serve Him by doing His will.

God’s heart is blessed when we bless Him in this way and as we bless the Lord, He inhabits our praises (ref. Psalm 22:3) and imparts His blessings upon us.

Beloved, bless the Lord for Who He is, not only for what He can do, has done, continues to do and will do. Bless the Lord because you are grateful and you love Him.

Blessing the Lord lifts your spirit high above all that seeks to confine you, and you’ll begin to sense His wonderful presence all around you as you break free from the limitations of this life. So, bless the Lord!

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Bless the Lord” ©2026 April 13, 2026

 

 

 

 

You are doomed!

 

The prophet Isaiah said,

You are doomed! You call evil good and call good evil. You turn darkness into light and light into darkness. You make what is bitter, sweet and what is sweet you make bitter. (Isaiah 5:20 GNT)

Scrolling idly through social media, I came across a video where a teacher was showing her teenage students how to calculate 1+1. The teacher, much to her students’ dismay, went through a whole long process from square roots to algebra, resulting in a host of complex numbers before arriving at the answer, 2.

This was meant to be funny, and it was but it got me thinking about all the things that are happening in the world these days, with leaders of nations trying to bamboozle us with their long, drawn-out explanations to justify the outcome of their actions. At least after her convoluted calculations the teacher ended up with the correct answer but the answers these leaders proffer just don’t add up; even the simplest of solutions are murky.

The problem is that it’s not just world-leaders, some of our religious leaders, church members, co-workers, and even some relatives are also guilty of the same disorder. They and perhaps some of us are all falling prey to the topsy-turvy malaise as described by Isaiah. He was warning the Israelites of the day, and this warning is still applicable for all of us today.

Sadly, we are seeing this back-to-front discourse happening in real time every day and it seems to come so easily for some. People have no qualms about calling evil good and good evil, feel no shame in turning darkness into light and light into darkness, and couldn’t care less about making the bitter, sweet and the sweet, bitter.

Isaiah’s severe denunciation, “You are doomed!”, may have been made centuries ago but we must take heed. We must pay attention and not become victims to this wrong-side way of life.

Remember that there will be difficult times in the last days. People will be selfish, greedy, boastful, and conceited; they will be insulting, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, and irreligious; they will be unkind, merciless, slanderers, violent, and fierce; they will hate the good; they will be treacherous, reckless, and swollen with pride; they will love pleasure rather than God; they will hold to the outward form of our religion, but reject its real power. Keep away from such people. (2 Timothy 3:1-5 GNT)

Nowadays falsehoods are being offered and accepted as truth.

Someone says a thing and you instantly believe without searching for the truth for yourself. And if more than one person says it, after all, lies, rumours and gossip often spread like wildfire, and you accept them wholesale as the truth, then you’re more than willing to suffer third-degree burns. If you don’t keep away from such people, you are doomed!

When you worship the created rather than the Creator, you’ve stepped onto a path of damnation. But God is merciful and patient with you, because he does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants all to turn away from their sins (2 Peter 3:9 GNT), so He always gives you a warning.

Isaiah’s was a statement of fact concerning the future. You are doomed, speaks of coming distress. Even so, it’s no casual proclamation, there is severity in this warning, and you must see it as a clear sign that something is terribly wrong and immediate correction is necessary. The doom will only befall you if the unacceptable behaviour is not changed.

Be keenly aware that there are satanic forces at work blurring the lines between good and evil, light and dark, holy and unholy and acceptable and unacceptable. We cannot afford to remain of the world if we are to escape being the lost of the world.

The world seems to have too much influence over the church these days; the church has to go back to the days when it affected the world. Revival is required and repentance is necessary otherwise we are all foredoomed to life outside of God’s care.

We have to be the true witnesses for Christ that carry the life changing message of the Gospel not only in our mouths but also in our actions and behaviour. The church cannot play its part in saving the world if it is behaving just like the world and condoning the things of the world.

Beloved, I’m sure you don’t ever want to be told “You are doomed!”, I know I don’t.

Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting! (Psalm 139:23-24 ESV)

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “You are doomed!” ©2026 April 12, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving Prayer

 

In Psalm 92 we are told, “It is good to give thanks to the Lord…”

And in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 it is written, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

So, let us offer a thanksgiving prayer…

You hear my voice in the morning; at sunrise I offer my prayer (Psalm 5:3)

Sunrise Cane Garden St. Vincent

Lord, I thank You,

For allowing me to see another day

For the opportunity and the privilege to come to You and to be in fellowship with You

For Your Presence in my household, right now and always, I thank You

For providing for me in every area of my life

For caring for me and enriching me abundantly

For guiding me through any challenges I may face and working all things together for my good and Your glory

For being the great Physician and Healer

For still performing miracles

For answering my secret prayers

For being my Light in darkness

For Your continued protection and covering

For loving me passionately

For blessing me immeasurably more than I can ask, think or imagine

For the Life that You have given me and for the life I’m living, I thank You

Lord, I thank You, for You are the only Source of all that I need

I pray in the Name Jesus Christ my Lord,

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Thanksgiving Prayer” © 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t I or Do I?

 

Solomon, to whom God gave wisdom and exceedingly great understanding (ref. 1 Kings 4:29), wrote an entire book of advice from which we can glean wisdom and understanding to traverse the rigours of this life.

It is the Book of Proverbs in our bibles, and in chapter 26, verse 4 (NLT) we are told,

Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are.

Simple enough. Understood.

But then, right after that, almost in the same breath, in the very next verse, verse 5, Solomon’s advice is,

Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools, or they will become wise in their own estimation.

What? Don’t answer, be sure to answer? Okay…so, don’t I or do I?

This is but only one example of many seeming contradictions in the bible that challenge logic. Scripture isn’t always clear cut or straightforward, as a matter of fact the bible is downright confusing mostly and that’s exactly how God intended it to be, after all the same Solomon lets us know that,

It is God’s privilege to conceal things and the king’s privilege to discover them. (Proverbs 25:2 NLT)

Now keep in mind that the bible is comprised of a collection of books, 66 to be precise, written over varying centuries by various people who were spiritually inspired to give an account of events.

Some events are historical, some personal, some orally handed down but they’re all there in an effort to make sense of life, justice, love, peace, and most importantly God and His will and His purpose as it pertains to all of us.

So yes, it’s confusing. God’s Word of apparent paradoxes may fill us with uncertainty but at the same time rightly dividing His Word (ref. 2 Timothy 2:15) forges absolute certainty within us.

This conflict forces us to read the Word with open-minded curiosity, provokes thoughtful analysis which encourages us to dig deep, to wrestle and to question.

The bible was written to form us into thoughtful Spirit-led people, to transform us by changing the way we think (ref. Romans 12:2), to replace our hearts from stubborn to tender and responsive (ref. Ezekiel 36:26), to renew our spirits aright (ref. Psalm 51:10), to re-shape us (ref. Jeremiah 18:6) and to build ourselves up in our most holy faith (ref. Jude 20).

The faith that understands that faith does not need to be simple to be true yet able to recognize the truth of the simplicity of faith even in the complexities of life.

Faith is not about having all the answers; it’s about trust when you’re mired in mess, when things are complicated, when the place you’re in is so dark that you can’t see past your nose.

The bible forces us to pay particular attention to the words and to the Word for faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17 NKJV) and this faith equips us to live in the mystery, to handle the tension, the conflict, the confusion and the chaos, not alone but by seeking Spirit’s guidance

Beloved, you are not meant to sojourn this life on your own, God  has given us a magnificent gift, let’s read it.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Don’t I or Do I?” ©2026 April 10, 2026

 

 

 

 

Revelations from the Lord

 

There is more that I have to say about myself. It won’t help, but I will talk now about visions and revelations from the Lord. – 2 Corinthians 12:1 (ERV)

Apostle Paul spoke of revelations from the Lord, not to boast of his achievements, gifts or blessings but to let his listeners know that revelation leads to encounters with God and those encounters lead to personal transformation. This was Paul’s experience and will be yours if God chooses to give you the same wonderful insight.

We often expect revelations from the Lord to be something grand and stunning and though they can be, they aren’t always, many times the experience presents as simple moments.

These moments can take the form of being immersed in His presence and His peace, as “His Kingdom come” manifests in your life but anticipating more, you run the risk of not recognizing it as a divine encounter.

Without this recognition, receiving revelation can make one proud.

I know a man in Christ who was taken up to the third heaven…he heard things that he is not able to explain. He heard things that no one is allowed to tell. I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself. I will boast only about my weaknesses. – 2 Corinthians 12:2, 4, 5 (ERV)

The Apostle was warning the church at Corinth about the pride that could easily set in when revelation is perceived as standing alone.

Revelation comes to enlarge your faith not your head.

I must not be too proud of the wonderful things that were shown to me. – 2 Corinthians 12:7 (ERV)

Beloved, God releases His revelation so that you will release your faith into that which He has given you insight.

Revelation means to lift the veil or remove the cover and when the veil is lifted, you are given access to the spiritual realm in a much greater way. When the cover is removed, the gate to truth which was at one time hidden opens.

Receiving revelation from the Lord is no joke and must be treated with respect and seen as an honour and a privilege, for not everyone receives revelation.

Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. I am thankful that you have hidden these things from those who are so wise and so smart. But you have shown them to people who are like little children. Yes, Father, you did this because it’s what you really wanted to do. – Luke 10:21 (ERV)

People who are like little children have hearts that are open to revelation. Humility of heart is a qualifier.

When you’re full of yourself, a virtual know-it-all, wise in your own eyes, as Paul, before his encounter, once was, revelatory truth remains hidden.

Jesus declared,

“I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children – Matthew 11:25 (ESV)

Many people believe that weightier spiritual truths are reserved for those persons who are considered the most intelligent or learned but from God’s perspective it’s those who have a certain eagerness and willingness like that of little children.

Those who don’t understand the mechanics of how revelation comes or to whom but have surrendered their hearts, are those who attract revelation from the Lord.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Revelations from the Lord” ©2026 April 9, 2026

 

 

 

 

Money can buy Happiness: Food for Thought

 

It is said that money can’t buy happiness. This is something we hear and say all the time. But what is happiness? And why can’t money buy it?

Psychology states that happiness is not a permanent state of being but a fleeting emotion. In other words, it comes and goes. It comes from fulfilling possibilities and goes when our needs aren’t satisfied.

Happiness is not an exact science since it’s not a one-size-fits-all concept as everyone’s view of happiness isn’t the same. Happiness tends to fade when what has brought it subsides.

Our circumstances have a tendency to affect our happiness. The ups and downs that we face in relationships affect our happiness. Our happiness depends on the sort of day we have at work or school or even at home. Happiness is situational. For some, finances have a great effect on whether they’re happy or not – happy when they can afford and unhappy when they can’t because they believe that money is tied to happiness.

Purchasing a new car can elevate one’s happiness. Buying a new house manifests great happiness. Acquiring that long-awaited top of the line cell phone can transform a person into a happy camper. Being able to afford a vacation can evoke happiness.

So yes, money can buy happiness, happiness that won’t last forever.

But there is something that’s so valuable that money can’t buy it; it’s priceless and you should do all you can to have it because once you get it, it will last forever.

You have not seen Christ, but still you love him. You can’t see him now, but you believe in him. You are filled with a wonderful and heavenly joy that cannot be explained. – 1 Peter 1:8 (ERV)

This inexpressible joy beloved, a wonderful and heavenly joy that cannot be explained and money can’t buy, comes from our love of and belief in Christ; it is heavenly, a gift from the Lord.

This joy is not contextual; it’s not dependent on whether the attendant at KFC gave you exactly what you ordered.

This joy is not temporary; it does not vacillate.

In Philippians 4:4 Apostle Paul told the Philippians and tells us to Always be filled with joy in the Lord. I will say it again. Be filled with joy. (ERV)

But where does this joy come from?

This joy is an element of the Fruit that His indwelling Spirit produces in every believer (see Galatians 5:22).

This joy is an ingrown attitude, that same attitude that gave Apostle Paul the impetus to say,

It has been a great joy to me that after all this time you have shown such interest in my welfare. I don’t mean that you had forgotten me, but up till now you had no opportunity of expressing your concern. Nor do I mean that I have been in actual need, for I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances may be. I know now how to live when things are difficult and I know how to live when things are prosperous. In general and in particular I have learned the secret of facing either poverty or plenty. I am ready for anything through the strength of the one who lives within me. – Philippians 4:10-13 (PHILLIPS)

Paul knew the secret, he understood that the joy of the Lord was his strength (Nehemiah 8:10), that God remains faithful even in his brokenness, that joy isn’t an external paradigm but is Spirit-imbued and rooted in God.

We can all agree that happiness is good, but we can also agree that joy is great. We often link pleasurable events with happiness, but pleasure alone is not enough. Joy transcends pleasure.

Beloved, none of us can ever feel good all the time but we can rejoice always because joy, though not based on how good life is, contributes to our quality of life despite what we may be going through.

Chew on this for today.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Money can buy Happiness: Food for Thought” ©2026 April 8, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

Domesticating the Gospel

 

Photo courtesy Chionsu Barclay

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. – Matthew 28:19-20 (NRSVUE)

The Romans were in control, and the Caesar was the king. He was to be adored, venerated and evangelized – there was no one greater, Caesar was lord.

To call someone other than Caesar king or to evangelize someone other than Caesar was unheard of as it was a punishable offense. But that did not deter the apostles from their mission.

When the apostles went out according to Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19-20, to evangelize Jesus as Lord, they did so with passionate zeal, not thinking of the consequences. They took their assignment to increase the harvest seriously and, without fear, boldly went out to spread the great news of the true King.

Understand that Jesus’ teachings were radical for His time; first century people were not accustomed to this type of teaching, yet the apostles were expected to continue what Jesus had started, share all that they had learned and spread the great news of His Kingship and of His Kingdom.

How dare these men and women be so bold and how dare they spread this kind of news when they knew that good news was assigned to the Caesars alone.

But this wasn’t just good news, this was better than good, the news of Jesus Christ was then and still is now great news.

This assignment has not changed but we seem not to possess the boldness of those first century believers. The harsh reality is that the church universal is rapidly losing ground as church attendance continues to dwindle year after year.

We have tamed the radical message of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and ascension lest we offend the status quo by spreading the whole truth in all its disruptive glory.

We have watered down the great news to okay news, domesticating the Gospel in an effort to make it palatable for human consumption.

Domesticating the Gospel is compromising Christianity. And frankly too many Christians are content with doing so.

Christians who shy away from letting people know their need of repentance are domesticating the Gospel.

Christians who make God into human image and likeness rather than letting persons know of the God who is sovereign, the Creator of all things, the Alpha and Omega with no beginning and no end are domesticating the Gospel.

Christians who are ashamed to let others know how Jesus has impacted their lives in a wonderful way and that’s why they choose to follow Him are domesticating the Gospel.

Christians who are afraid to defend their faith and stand up for Jesus are domesticating the Gospel.

Beloved, the Christian experience is not one of timidity. You must, with the help of the Holy Spirit, enter the mission field with courage and with steadfast determination to do your part without domesticating the Gospel.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Domesticating the Gospel” ©2026 April 7, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

Back to Normal

 

For the Season of Lent, most Christians would have observed 40 days of deep spiritual introspection and reflection. Perhaps you would have travelled this 40-day journey and now that Lent is over, you find that things have gone back to normal.

Life has returned to embracing all the habits, foods, or vices you may have forgone during those 40 long days. Life is back to normal.

But why go back to normal? Why go back to what you’ve always done? Why break the spiritual connection you would have made during your 40 days of surrender?

Beloved, believe it or not, you were in a season of transformation, transitioning from normal to supranormal but 40 days is not enough, the discipline must persist, the journey must continue for a lifetime.

During those 40 days of surrender, you would have seen God’s grace weaving through the mess of your life as you experienced a burgeoning faith and trust in Him.

During those 40 days of sacrifice, you would have shifted your focus from material pursuits by immersing yourself into a greater sense of being and purpose.

During those 40 days of release, you would have started crossing the atomically thin line between the physical and the spiritual.

Now Lent is over and you are determined to go back to normal. You are not alone, sadly, for most of us, as soon as that period is over, we go back to normal – all the things we were accustomed doing before Lent are resumed, bringing the spiritual transformation to a screeching halt as we no longer set our minds on things above but on things on earth (see Colossians 3:2).

So don’t remember what happened in earlier times. Don’t think about what happened a long time ago, because I am doing something new! Now you will grow like a new plant. Surely you know this is true. I will even make a road in the desert, and rivers will flow through that dry land. – Isaiah 43:18-19 (ERV)

During those 40 days of spiritual connection, God began doing something new in you and your new normal was about to be birthed but going back to normal is to miscarry everything with which you had been impregnated on this 40-day journey.

Back to normal will only result in a shift of your new-found spiritual perception.

Back to normal is detrimental to your spiritual upliftment; it’s going back to belief patterns that prevented you from truly connecting in the first place.

During those 40 days of higher spiritual realization, you would have begun connecting with the spiritual and not merely the world that exists around you.

That spiritual connection would have afforded you the ability to hear that guiding voice within saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left (Isaiah 30:21 ESV). Going back to normal will cause a spiritual disconnection, resulting in a distortion of Truth.

Back to normal is to once again settle into a pattern of detachment from Spirit, depending almost entirely on the outside rather than continuing to look within.

Back to normal is allowing the world to dictate your life.

Back to normal is looking to outside influences in order to thrive.

Back to normal is ignoring the inner voice of God and listening to the loud voices coming from all directions.

Back to normal is stepping back into the crucible of your own way of living rather than drawing on God’s provision, leading and guidance.

Back to normal is missing out on your opportunity to transition, to start over or afresh or anew.

Beloved, the Season of Lent was never meant to be a temporary stopgap measure and going back to normal after spending 40 days in the wilderness with Jesus is to fall into a degenerative backslide of a life. That is not progression but regression.

Will you let it all go to waste? 

There can be no such thing as going back to normal.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Back to Normal” ©2026 April 6, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If Jesus had not Risen from the Dead

 

Many of you I’m sure have read the Book of James in the Bible. A virtual manual on the topic of faith, James’ teachings are vital to anyone on the spiritual journey. His instruction on faith is an eye-opener for every believer. But did you know that if Jesus had not risen from the dead, James, Jesus’ own brother, would not have become a believer? 

James would have lived and grown up with Jesus yet did not believe that Jesus was whom He claimed to be, after all John 7:5 clearly states that His brothers did not believe in Him and in Matthew 13:57, Jesus Himself says that He had no honour among His own family. James belonged to the category of persons of whom Jesus asked, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” (ref. Matthew 12:48).

Even Peter, Jesus’ most zealous disciple and one of three in His inner circle, who walked with Jesus throughout His three years of Ministry, was a witness to every miracle that He performed, was atop the mountain at the time of the transfiguration, was himself a walker-on-water, though just for a moment, and, through the divine wisdom declared the truth of Jesus’ identity, did not fully understand Jesus’ earthly assignment until after His death and resurrection. 

This is evident simply because even though Jesus had told the disciples what was about to occur, mere hours later, it was Peter who drew his sword in the Garden of Gethsemane, in an attempt to stop Jesus' arrest.

Simon Peter had a sword, which he pulled out. He struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. – John 18:10 (ERV)

If Jesus had not risen from the dead, Peter may have remained ignorant of Jesus’ purpose for coming to earth.

Where would we have been today if Jesus had not risen from the dead? Can you imagine?

James’ teaching is critical to our understanding the working of our faith, the joy that is found in various trials we face, the importance of controlling our tongues and the tremendous power that is made available to us through our earnest heartfelt prayer. The Book of James, filled with divine wisdom for proper living, would not have been written if Jesus had not risen from the dead.

Peter was instrumental in the establishment of the Church, for it was Peter who, by the power of Divine wisdom acknowledged that Jesus was “the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (see Matthew 16:16). To which Jesus, proclaiming “on this rock I will build My church” (see Matthew 16:18), established His congregation upon the truth of Peter’s testimony, yet at the time, Peter himself did not truly grasp the verity of it. 

“Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for our sins in accordance with [what] the Scriptures [foretold], That He was buried, that He arose on the third day as the Scriptures foretold, And [also] that He appeared to Cephas (Peter), then to the Twelve.” (AMPC)

According to 1 Corinthians 15:3-5, Peter was the first disciple to see Jesus alive after the resurrection and was the first to preach the Good News of His resurrection by the power of the Holy Spirit, as recorded in the Book of Acts. 

Beloved, the church would not have been built if Jesus had not risen from the dead, for Christ’s resurrection is essential to Christianity.

Amen†

Shelley Johnson “If Jesus had not Risen from the Dead” © 2017 revisited April 6, 2026

Given for me

 

“This is My body, which is being given for you” – Luke 22:19 (NASB)

Read that verse again. Let it sink in. Jesus is talking to you, beloved.

Now say aloud, Jesus’ body was given for me.

We tend to simply go through the motions without truly grasping the enormity of Jesus’ words…

“This is My body, which is being given for you…”

Today marks the culmination of everything that Jesus suffered for you – the teaching, the condemnation, the accusations, the persecution, the betrayals, the agony, the bloody sweat, the cat-o-nine tails, the denials, the pierced side, the abandonment, the crushed lungs, the inability to breathe, the impaired blood flow, the physical trauma, the excruciating pain…

His body, given for us, given for you, given for me.

Jesus suffered to the extreme so that you can have a life worth living in Him.

and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. – Galatians 2:20 (NASB)

Jesus gave Himself up for you so stop treating Him as an afterthought.

Given for me…

And now Jesus is risen from the dead and seated at the right hand of God in the heavenly places, over all rulers, authorities, powers, and kings. God put everything under His power and made Him head over everything and He makes everything complete in every way (ref. Ephesians 1:19-23).

Beloved, Jesus gave Himself for you, so that you may be made complete in Him in every way.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Given for me” ©2026 April 4, 2026

 

 

 

 

The Silence of the Tomb

 

Scripture: Matthew 27:59–60 (NIV)

Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb.

Reflection

Holy Saturday rests in stillness. The work of burial has been completed. The body of Jesus lies hidden from sight. No proclamation interrupts the quiet. The future remains unknown.

Lent culminates in this space of waiting. Faith stays with grief, honouring the reality of loss and the depth of silence. Communities learn to remain present when answers are absent.

Even in the tomb, God’s purposes continue unseen. Hope is carried quietly, sustained by memory and promise. The story has not ended, though it has reached its deepest silence.

Prayer

God of hidden faithfulness,

Stay with us in silence.

Hold us when words fail.

Strengthen trust in your unseen work.

Keep vigil with us

Through the night ~ Amen.

Invitation

Sit in silence for a few moments.

Release the need to resolve everything.

Say quietly:

“I wait with you.”

 

Daily Lent Devotions Revd Mark Robinson | Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson Lent Day 40 | Saturday 4 April | The Silence of the Tomb

 

The Cross

 

Scripture: Luke 23:44–46 (NIV)

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land… Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

Reflection

The crucifixion confronts the full force of human violence and injustice. An innocent life is extinguished through public execution. Yet even here, Jesus entrusts himself to God. Trust remains when all visible hope appears extinguished.

Good Friday refuses easy interpretation. It calls the church to witness suffering honestly and to stand in solidarity with all who endure oppression and loss. The cross reveals both the depth of human cruelty and the depth of divine compassion.

In this surrender, love remains steadfast. God receives the life offered and holds it beyond the reach of death. The story pauses here, suspended between grief and promise.

Prayer

God of suffering love,

Hold the pain of the world in your mercy.

Strengthen those who mourn.

Give courage to all who suffer injustice.

Receive our grief

And keep us in hope ~ Amen.

Invitation

Observe a moment of silence today.

Remember those who suffer.

Say quietly:

“God, hold us.”

 

Daily Lent Devotions Revd Mark Robinson | Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson Lent Day 39 | Friday 3 April | The Cross

 

The Way of Service

 

Scripture: John 13:35 (NIV)

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

Reflection

Love becomes the defining mark of discipleship, taking shape in service, forgiveness, and mutual care that restore dignity and strengthen community. Through such practices, God’s presence is made visible in the life of the people.

Holy Week places this command within the shadow of the cross. Love continues even when fear intensifies and outcomes remain uncertain. It becomes an act of resistance against division and despair.

Communities that practice such love become signs of the kingdom already unfolding. They embody a future where reconciliation replaces hostility and dignity is restored.

Prayer

God of enduring love,

Teach us to care for one another deeply.

Heal divisions within your people.

Strengthen bonds of compassion.

Let our life together reflect

Your presence among us ~ Amen.

Invitation

Reach out to someone within your community.

Offer encouragement or support.

Say quietly:

“Love binds us together.”

 

Daily Lent Devotions Revd Mark Robinson | Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson Lent Day 38 | Thursday 2 April | The Way of Service

 

The Gift of Communion

 

Scripture: Luke 22:19 (NIV)

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

Reflection  

At the table, Jesus gathers his disciples around bread broken and cup shared, interpreting the life he is about to offer and shaping their future through remembrance, service, and costly love. The meal becomes a sign of covenant faithfulness, binding them to one another and to the path that lies ahead. Even as danger closes in, gratitude steadies their shared life and prepares them for the trials to come.

Holy Week reminds us that remembrance is not nostalgia but participation. Each time bread is broken, the story of sacrificial love becomes present again. The meal nourishes courage for the road ahead.

Communion binds believers to Christ and to one another. It declares that no one walks alone into suffering. In shared remembrance, hope is sustained and faith is renewed.

Prayer

God of sustaining grace,

Feed me with the life of Christ.

Deepen my gratitude.

Strengthen the bonds of community.

Let this remembrance 

Shape my living ~ Amen.

Invitation

Share food with gratitude today.

Pause before eating.

Say quietly:

“Given for us.”

 

Daily Lent Devotions Revd Mark Robinson | Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson Lent Day 37 | Wednesday 1 April | The Gift of Communion

 

Faithfulness Amid Betrayal

 

Scripture: John 13:21 (NIV)

Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.” .

Reflection

Holy Week exposes human frailty as betrayal emerges from within the circle of trust, where the pain cuts more deeply because it comes from those who have walked closest. Jesus receives that wound with clear-eyed truth, naming what is unfolding even as he remains steadfast in the mission entrusted by God.

Communities often carry wounds inflicted from inside as well as outside. Lent acknowledges this complexity. Faithfulness continues even when relationships fracture and trust is strained.

Jesus remains committed to love, choosing the path of obedience rather than retaliation. Such steadfastness reveals a courage grounded in God’s purposes rather than human reliability.

Prayer

God of unwavering faithfulness,

Hold me when trust is shaken.

Heal the wounds of betrayal.

Strengthen my commitment to love.

Guide me in wisdom

Through fragile relationships ~ Amen.

Invitation

Pray for someone with whom trust has been strained.

Entrust the relationship to God’s care.

Say quietly:

“God, bring healing.”

 

Daily Lent Devotions Revd Mark Robinson | Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson Lent Day 36 | Tuesday 31 March | Faithfulness Amid Betrayal

His Passion

 

Defined as “any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling”, “enthusiastic enjoyment of an interest or activity”, “an emotion that is deeply stirring”, we see that our English word “passion” primarily deals with emotion, ardent affection or an intense desire, however, in years gone by, this word “passion”, referred to other senses, including “suffering”.

To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God – Acts 1:3 (KJV)

The prologue of the Book of Acts speaks of Jesus appearing alive “after His passion”. Clearly this has nothing to do with the modern-day use of the word.

Our English word passion is derived from Latin, “patior”, meaning “to experience, undergo, endure, suffer” with its perfective aspect “passus” expressing a completed action.

And it is in this regard that the New Testament consistently utilises this word and when capitalized, refers specifically to Jesus Christ’s last sufferings and death – the betrayal, the arrest, the trial, the scourging, the journey to Golgotha, the cross…

Beloved, as you journey along this last week of Lent, I encourage you to meditate upon His Passion and everything that Jesus experienced, underwent, endured, and suffered on your behalf, all because God so loves you.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “His Passion” ©2026 March 30, 2026

 

 

 

A Triumphal Entry

 

Many people carpeted the road in front of him with their cloaks and prayer shawls, while others gathered palm branches and spread them before him. Jesus rode in the center of the procession, with crowds going before him and behind him. They all shouted in celebration, “Bring the victory! We welcome the one coming with blessings sent from the Lord YAHWEH! Blessings rest on this kingdom he ushers in—the kingdom of our father David! Bring us the victory in the highest realms of heaven!” Jesus rode through the gates of Jerusalem and up to the temple… – Mark 11:8-11 (TPT)

What an entry! Picture it, cloaks, prayer shawls and palm branches covering the road like a carpet together with celebratory shouts of victory to welcome Jesus to Jerusalem – that was a triumphal entry!

Jesus entered Jerusalem as the conqueror and King that He is but by the end of that week the same people who lauded praise over Him would reject Him.

Despite the expressions of praise and joy, the multitude would eventually question Jesus’ identity and the claims of Him being their saviour, as He was not the Messiah they imagined.

Today, the day known as Palm Sunday, marks the beginning of one of the most important periods on the Christian calendar, Holy Week – the seven days which led up to an event that turned the entire world on its head. A triumphal entry which led to a heartbreaking crucifixion which led to an amazing resurrection, and the world was forever changed.

These last days of Lent, invite each of us to walk with Jesus, step by step. Too often, we want to move from a triumphal entry straight to a glorious resurrection, conveniently ignoring everything in between – the betrayal, the surrender, the testing, and the sacrifice.

Beloved, understand that this is the same in between that you, as a believer, must encounter on your personal journey to spiritual resurrection. It is not an easy road, but a necessary one. With each step you may feel defeated, but do not give up, focus on Jesus and keep walking, it is the road that leads you to victory and a triumphal entry into eternal life.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “A Triumphal Entry” ©2026 March 28, 2026  

 

 

 

 

Jesus sends for an ass

 

Throughout the New Testament we read of Jesus calling sheep, caring for sheep, tending sheep, sending sheep and referring to us humans as sheep, but in one particular New Testament account, Jesus sends for an ass.

The Weymouth New Testament translation of Matthew 21:1-3 reads,

When they were come near Jerusalem and had arrived at Bethphage and the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of the disciples on in front, saying to them, "Go to the village you see facing you, and as you enter it you will find a she-ass tied up and a foal with her. Untie her and bring them to me. And if any one says anything to you, say, 'The Master needs them,' and he will at once send them."

In those days, the ass did not have the lowly status as it has today, on the contrary, the ass was a prized possession and, as we see in all four Gospel accounts, was an appropriate choice for a triumphal entry.

I read this passage in several versions and somehow it conjured up in my mind how we humans might be compared to an ass, not as lowly but as a prized possession, and worthy of use by God.

Let’s eavesdrop on a conversation God is having with Hagar, Sarai’s Egyptian maid, about Ismael, the son she had for Abram, in Genesis 16:12 (NRSV),

“He shall be a wild ass of a man, with his hand against everyone, and everyone’s hand against him; and he shall live at odds with all his kin.”

Okay, pause for a moment, because I know that you know someone who fits that description, but you’re headed in the wrong direction; so, come back this way and let’s move on.

This wild-ass nature is not what you think it is. It has nothing to do with the type of turbulent lifestyle or being prone to violence in the way you might imagine, but about being free to be of service to God.

Free to surrender all to Him, free to be obedient to His call, unafraid and ready to go out into the world to proclaim the more than good news, to work diligently on His behalf, it is about being free to stand up for Christ.

It’s not to serve yourself but to serve God, just like the ass Jesus sent for.

The ass Jesus sends for, comes in both genders – a wild ass of a man, like Ishmael, or a wild ass of a woman, they are those persons who are untamed and cannot be harnessed, ready to bolt forward into the world for God’s purposes.

The ass that Jesus sends for, is passionate and violent about his/her spiritual mission; he/she eagerly pursues the Kingdom undaunted.

And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize—a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion]. – Matthew 11:12 (AMPC)

When Jesus sends for an ass, He knows that person will be wild for Christ, unburdened to do whatever He has called him/her to do – to demonstrate His glory and give Him a triumphal entry into the lives of others.

The ass that Jesus sends for is untethered, to bring hope to the suffering, to assure them that God is able to provide all their needs if they’ll trust Him and allow Him to.

The ass that Jesus sends for is freed to go to the lost and let them know that God sees them, that He hears them.

Beloved, the ass that Jesus sends for is unleashed to roam from place to place burdened with nothing but the amazing message of a God who loves and cares deeply for them, so much so, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life (John 3:16 ERV).

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Jesus sends for an ass” ©2026 March 27, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drawing All People

 

Scripture: John 12:32 (NIV)

And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.

Reflection

The cross stands as both exposure and invitation. It reveals the depth of human violence and the depth of God’s love at the same time. Christ lifted up becomes a centre drawing humanity toward reconciliation.

Lent prepares us to face this reality without turning away. At the cross, human cruelty is laid bare and divine mercy remains steadfast, drawing wounded humanity toward restoration.

Communities gathered around this love become agents of healing. They participate in the work of drawing people toward justice, compassion, and restored relationship.

Prayer

God of reconciling love,

Draw my heart toward Christ.

Heal divisions that wound your people.

Strengthen my commitment to unity.

Make me an instrument

Of your reconciling work ~ Amen.

Invitation

Pray for someone different from yourself.

Hold them in God’s love.

Say quietly:

“Draw us together.”

 

Daily Lent Devotions Revd Mark Robinson | Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson | Drawing All People

 

Hope that Refuses to Die

 

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (1 Peter 1:3 NIV)

Apostle Peter assures us that through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are re-born into a living hope, hope that refuses to die. What a marvellous gift!

Hope that refuses to die is that hope which Apostle Paul speaks of when he wrote,

Through our faith, Christ has brought us into that blessing of God’s grace that we now enjoy. And we are very happy because of the hope we have of sharing God’s glory. And we are also happy with the troubles we have. Why are we happy with troubles? Because we know that these troubles make us more patient. And this patience is proof that we are strong. And this proof gives us hope. And this hope will never disappoint us. We know this because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts through the Holy Spirit he gave us. (Romans 5:2-5 ERV)

It is that hope that motivates us even in challenging times; that hope is the driving force.

Hope that refuses to die gives us the strength to carry on and to not give up. It is that hope that empowers us to believe that things don’t remain the same, that change is possible and miracles happen.

Job in all his suffering does not condemn hope but clings to it…

“My days pass by faster than a weaver’s shuttle, and my life will end without hope. (Job 7:6 ERV)

He believed that without hope his life would end – that is hope that refuses to die.

Apostle Paul cites Abraham as having that same hope when he wrote,

In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” (Romans 4:18 ESV)

And in 1 Corinthians 13:13 he says that hope together with faith and love is an essential characteristic of the Christian

Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love

This hope of which Paul speaks isn’t the misplaced hope that cultivates false hope on which we too often rely, this hope isn’t just confined to mere expectation and desire but includes trust, confidence and refuge in the God of hope.

For it was by hope that we were saved; but if we see what we hope for, then it is not really hope. For who of us hopes for something we see? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. (Romans 8:24-25 GNT)

The hope that refuses to die is a desirable attribute of human life which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27 NIV).

Christ Jesus, who is our hope (1 Timothy 1:1 NASB) is hope that refuses to die.

Beloved, hope that refuses to die isn’t placed in human beings, not even in great leaders, for they fail us and disappoint us (ref. Psalm 118:8-9; 146:3-4; Jeremiah 17:5-6). It is far better to hope in God, for that is hope that will never die, that is hope that refuses to die.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Hope that Refuses to Die” ©2026 March 26, 2026

Something Stinketh

 

The Gospel of John chapter eleven tells us the story of Jesus’ good friends, sisters Martha and Mary and their brother Lazarus, who had fallen gravely ill.

The sisters sent Jesus a message letting Him know of their brother’s condition, but He did not come right away; as a matter of fact, we are told in verse six that Jesus stayed where he was for the next two days

Sadly, before Jesus even made a move to leave where He was, Lazarus died.

When Jesus arrived at Bethany, he was told that Lazarus had already been in his grave for four days. – John 11:17 (NLT)

Martha, upon hearing that Jesus was coming, went to meet Him just outside the village. She expressed her belief that if Jesus had been here, her brother would still be alive, but Jesus assured her, “Your brother will rise again.” (v 23).

Jesus was taken to His friend’s tomb.

a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. – John 11:38-39a (NLT)

But Martha protested, saying to Jesus, by this time he stinketh (v 39b KJV).

You’ve prayed, wanting immediate relief, you’ve cried out to Jesus asking Him to come, but He doesn’t. One day goes by, you pray; two days go by, you pray, three days, then four, and maybe it’s been years and your situation hasn’t got any better.

By now, something stinketh.

If you’re honest, oftentimes you behave just like Martha does in this story, where you’d prefer to keep some things hidden in a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. Things in your life that you don’t want to come out or be exposed because they stinketh.

Something that you really need to address but have buried deep within because you’d rather not deal with it.

You’d prefer not to face a certain person to have that difficult conversation so you avoid them like the plague.

You’d rather not come to terms with the grief that you’re feeling so you’ve buried it along with your loved one.

You don’t want to deal with the hurt and the disappointment and the anger and the bitterness that is ravaging your soul.

You want to tuck it all away somewhere and never bring it up or out.

You just think it best to leave it where it is, to not roll the stone aside because you can’t handle the stench.

Beloved, you can’t continue to avoid those things you don’t want to face. Something stinketh but if you are to heal, the stone must be removed. Yes, you’ve prayed but Jesus did not act and you don’t understand why.

Beloved, there are times when you pray, then you sit still and wait and there are other times when you have to act, when you must be an active participant in your restoration.

You pray and you move. You pray and you step into your situation. You pray and you make that call. You pray and you go to a grief counsellor. You pray and you visit the doctor. You pray and you remove the stone and let the stink come out.

Notice, Jesus did not remove the stone from the entrance to Lazarus’ tomb Himself, He told the people to move it, to roll it aside. They participated in the miracle. Jesus allowed them to got involved.

When something stinketh, Jesus allows you to get involved in its removal. You can’t keep avoiding it. You must participate for things to activate.

Beloved, Jesus is waiting for you to move, before He resurrects the dead areas of your life, before He calls forth the miracle.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Something Stinketh” ©2026 March 24, 2026